When the time is right for your child to begin a nursery or preschool program, you want him to be ready. How can you help your child prepare? Put away the workbooks-there are no academic skills necessary for entering preschool. But that doesn't mean you can't help your child prepare for this experience in other ways.
Being part of a larger group takes some getting used to for children who are accustomed to being the center of your attention. You can help your child learn how to be social by helping him practice the concept of sharing. You might also provide opportunities for being with other children in playgroups or at the neighborhood playground; this will help him learn how to play, take turns, and communicate bally instead of physically.
To get along with his teacher, your child will have to know how to follow directions. Give him a chance to practice this skill at home by playing Simon Says-type games in which he follows your lead. Move on to more direct forms of instruction by asking him to complete a simple task, such as getting his shoes from the closet. When he has the idea of doing as you ask (when you ask it) help him learn how to clean up after himself; direct him to put away his toys; tell him to clear his papers off the kitchen table and put them where they belong. Be persistent and don't cave in and do it yourself; at preschool the teacher can't clean up after every child. Your child will be better prepared for school if he knows how to follow his teacher's instructions. Your child will also have a head start in school if he has learned to be aware of his surroundings with all his senses. You can play games at home that will encourage him to really see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. When he looks at a tree ask him what he sees; in out that a tree has leaves, and branches, and bark, and height, and shape. Ask him to describe what he hears when his eyes are closed; learning to listen carefully is a valuable skill.
Try to schedule the interview for a time of day when your child is most likely to be well rested and not too cranky Also choose comfortable clothes rather than a new and potentially scratchy outfit. As difficult as it might be for you, don't show any anxiety or communicate any sense that the meeting is overly important. You can familiarize your child with the school beforehand with an informal visit and you can explain some of the things that are likely to occur, such as telling your child that a teacher will meet him and ask him to play with some other children. Don't try to drill him on his knowledge of colors or shapes or any other skill you think will impress the school personnel.
Keep in mind that you're looking for a good match between your child and the school instead of looking to get your child into a particular preschool. The "right" preschool is the one that will welcome your child because the school is well suited to meet his needs.
Child Ready For Kindergarten
The most important factor for any child is to choose the right daycare provider. If at all possible, it may be easiest to place the child with someone they are already familiar with, either a family member or friend. As this is not always an option, many resources are available for selecting a caregiver. Word of mouth from any friends with children will go a long way towards steering you to a good day care. This way experiences can be relayed, either good or bad, and eccentricities discussed. Bear in mind that a provider who is wonderful for one child may not be for another because of differing personalities; however, if several parents have criticized a source, a genuine problem may be present and that person might be one to steer clear of.
If word of mouth does not direct you to a good caregiver, the Department of Social Services can provide you with a list of licensed day care providers in your area. Your pediatrician may also be able to give you a recommendation; many doctors get to know their patients fairly well, particularly with children. If all else fails, a phone book or newspaper classifieds can provide listings for child care professionals.
Once you have chosen a provider, take your child to meet them. Most providers will wish to meet with you prior to the child being enrolled. Take your child with you to this meeting if possible. This will give them a chance to look around their new environment and meet the person or people who will be caring for them.
If your child has a comfort object and it is permitted, allow them to take that object to daycare. Most children become homesick for the first couple of weeks, and this will give them a piece of home to hold on to. Giving them a picture of you and other immediate family members to look at when they become lonely may help as well, but make that decision based on your child; it may make the situation worse. If at all possible, try to stay for a little while in the mornings to help them settle into an activity. This will make the transition easier. If you can, tell your child exactly what time you will pick them up-and make sure you are there. Like knowing what time your workday will end, daycare will be easier if your child knows exactly what time they will see you again. This gives them a sense of security.
The most important thing you can do for your child is to send them off in a positive manner. If you are upset over your separation, they will be to, whereas if you seem confident that all will be well and you will see them at the end of the day they will pick up on that attitude. Remember, it is not uncommon for your child to cry when you leave them. Most children settle in within fifteen minutes of seeing their parents leave. Simply say good-bye and walk out the door-you'll be able to give them hugs and kisses for being so brave when you come back.
Both Andrew Ashworth & Jillian Smith are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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